Until now, both sites operated in much the same way as Megaupload did: users could upload any kind of file to the websites for their own personal storage, but also share a public link to allow others to download the file for free.

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As of 23 January, however, that latter functionality is no longer available on either site. Trying to download any previously shared file from Filesonic results in the error message: "All sharing functionality on FileSonic is now disabled. Our service can only be used to upload and retrieve files that you have uploaded personally." On Fileserve a similar message reads: "FileServe can only be used to download and retrieve files that you have uploaded personally."

It seems unlikely that either site will revert back to offering its file-sharing services any time soon, and so existing users would be advised to use an alternative service for the mean time.

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RapidShare, based in Switzerland, has publically stated that its users needn't worry: "There is no reason to be concerned," the site said on its Facebook page. "We aren't threatened in any way." Perhaps it'll rake in some new users as a result.

Fileserve and Filesonic operated on freemium business models, meaning anonymous users could download from the sites with limited speeds, or pay for unlimited access for a month or more. Users who had paid the sites to gain access to these "premium" download features are now left in the cold.

They didn't offer search features so it was down to third-party sites to provide links to hosted content. One popular site, FilesTube.com, has already removed Filesonic from its large list of searchable sites, making it quite clear that the residents of cyberlocker world are sailing in stormy waters.

No notice, blog or corporate announcement has been made by Filesonic to explain its sudden action, although it's almost certainly in response to the Megaupload spat. Earlier this week the result of two years of FBI investigation time resulted in the raiding of the home of the site's founder, the seizure of $50m (£32m) of possessions and the shutting down of 18 domains, including Megaupload. Megavideo and Megaporn. (We have a deeper analysis for those curious about what this means.)

Wired.co.uk contacted Filesonic for comment but no-one had returned our request at the time of publication. We will update this story if and when we hear from the site.

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Got a comment on Filesonic switching off its file-sharing service? Let your voices ring out in the comments.

Thanks to commenter Tim for pointing out Fileserve has also withdrawn some of its services.